Milk Crate #90

Milk Crater is a music blog with a charitable twist. Every time you listen to a song or watch a video on our site, we make a donation to Direct Relief International — one of the leading medical relief charities in the world. We find the music, you groove it up, and Direct Relief does the rest. By proxy, you save lives by discovering new music with us.

We’re not saying that’s the greatest idea ever, but we’re also not saying it’s not.

1“Dang!” – Mac Miller (feat. Anderson .Paak)

Genre: Rap

Yup.

Thanks for listening!

+1 Donation!

2“Ghost” – VHS Collection

Genre: Synth-Pop

“It’s a dance beat played on live drums with some darker lyrics, which is a combo we love.”

And so do we. Seriously, that’s a fantastic one-two punch. VHS Collection is coming off of a Lollapalooza high — not surprising, given their aptitude for catchy synth leads and high-energy live performances. The New York three-piece makes dancing joyfully while drenched in nostalgia-soaked tears seem totally okay.

Thanks for listening!

+1 Donation!

3“Magazine Perfection” – The Khanz

Genre: Indie-Electronic

“Magazine Perfection” is the first taste we’ve had of The Khanz‘s newest material, and it is hauntingly beautiful — like the view of a wild storm from a warm house. It’s hard to pin them down, but think CHVRCHES. And then push the envelope a little towards ZHU. I’m blown away that this eccentric four-piece hasn’t received more praise and social media kudos.

Thanks for listening!

+1 Donation!

4“Teddy Bear” – Toni and Ash

Genre: Pop

Britney Spears’ teenage girl charm meets Prince style guitar & bass. Miss the 80’s? Simply watch the video for a ‘Wedding Singer’ style teleportation back to the disco. Katy Perry had dancing sharks, Toni and Ash have a band made of life-sized dancing teddy bears. It’s okay to be a little freaked out.

Thanks for listening!

+1 Donation!

5“The Toxic Waste Song” – Matt Ferree

Genre: Pop-rock

“The song is about a man who is changing everything about himself to win back the girl of his dreams.”

Matt Ferree doesn’t play the smoke and mirrors game — he knows what’s in his tool shed and plays the appropriately constructed music. Driven by a tinge of 2000’s emo (think Plain White T’s, Say Anything) and modern day pop appointments, this not-so-feel-good pop-rock tune winks with upbeat fervor and sighs with lyrical hesitance.